James Andre Boles of Oak View suspended for misconduct regarding four clients

James Andre Boles [#141639], 72, of Oak View was suspended Nov. 11, 2017 for 60 days and placed on probation for two years. The State Bar Court found that Boles had committed professional misconduct in Nevada and had been suspended from practice in that jurisdiction for two years. Hired to represent a terminated Nevada state union member, Boles found it necessary to take a medical leave. He instructed his client to seek new counsel but failed to advise the client of upcoming court dates or the urgency of finding replacement representation. He did not file a substitution of counsel. He refused to refund the advanced fees and failed to give the client his file. As a result, the court dismissed with prejudice the client’s judicial review petition. Boles moved to California and abandoned another client and did not return her file. He admitted that he had never confirmed with the client or documented in writing that her appeal would not be taken. He was found culpable of violations including failing to perform with competence, failing to communicate, and failing to update his membership records address. In aggravation, Boles had a record of one prior discipline and multiple acts of wrongdoing. In mitigation, he suffered health problems that rendered him unable to continue representation of his clients.